Mustangs and Renegades anticipate exciting battle for NS Spring League Midget Championship Title (PREVIEW)

To say that both the Metro Mustangs and Timberlea Renegades are thrilled to be competing against each other Saturday for the Nova Scotia Spring League Midget Championship is an understatement.

As both teams are the midst of making final preparations for the championship game, it is not lost on them the opportunity this game presents:  igniting a past historical rivalry among the two teams.

“This game is another game that will add onto the already rich history between these two communities,” explained Renegades head coach Alan Wetmore.  “Between high school and the past few years of Spring Football, the players have created quite an intensity to play against each other.”

“The Mustangs have been winning for a long time and we are happy to challenge them for this year’s title.”

In the fall, players from the Mustangs compete for Charles P Allen Cheetahs, Lockview Dragons and Sackville High Kingfishers in the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) while the players from the Renegades compete for the Sir John A MacDonald Flames.  The Renegades and Mustangs had different routes to earn their spots in the championship game.  Last Saturday, the top seeded Mustangs crushed the fourth seeded Dartmouth Destroyers 41-6.  The next day, the third seeded Renegades upended the second seeded Halifax Argos 17-16 on a fourth quarter field goal.

Wetmore says that their route alone to get to the title game makes this opportunity worth it.

“The Renegades are excited to have the opportunity to participate in this year’s Championship game,” said Wetmore.  “The players had a hard fought victory in the semis and are looking forward to having another opportunity to play the Mustangs.”

One year ago, the Renegades won the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL) title against the Mustangs 24-21.

With this disappointment playing on the back of their minds, the Mustangs hope a reversal of fortunes will take place this time around in their favour.

“The Mustangs are ready to go,” commented Mustangs head coach Greg Bayne.  “We can hardly wait to get going on Saturday.”

“Like we have said to the boys, “If you are not pumped about this game something is wrong!! Go Mustangs!”.”

In order to be successful on Saturday, the Mustangs are counting on key players to step up and lead in the biggest game of the season while being disciplined on the field.

“Our game plan revolves around playing disciplined tough football for four quarters,” explained Bayne.  “We know that we can compete with Timberlea if we protect the football stay away from penalties.”

As for their offensive game execution plan, the Mustangs will look to quarterback Sean Muir, receiver Ryan Keays and running back Taylor MacDonald to provide leadership in being able to conquer the Renegades strong defensive unit.

“Offensively we will have our hands full with their strong defensive attack,” added Bayne.  “Renegades defense will bring pressure and they work together as a group well.”

“We will need strong games from our offensive line – Sean Muir, Ryan Keays and Taylor MacDonald. “

As for the Mustangs defensive unit, the game plan will be different and hope players will step up to the challenge the Renegades offensive unit will provide on the field.

“Defensively we will be mixing it up,” said Bayne.  “We have had a lot of success this year.”

“Our defensive backs will have their hands full with their (Renegades) receivers. Jacob Barton, Matt Bayne will have to step up and rise to the challenge. Tackles Kyle MacDonald and Jay Hachey will need to apply the pressure while linebackers Jesse Boudreau and Brad Bevan back them up.”

Overall, Saturday’s game has the makings of being one of the entertaining, yet thrilling games to ever take place in Nova Scotia football.

“It will be a great game for sure, well worth the price of admission,” added Wetmore.  “I think it is free so you have nothing to lose.”

The Championship game will be played on Saturday at East Hants Sports Complex.  Kickoff is 10:30am. There is a $5.00 admission charge, which the proceeds will go to the Nova Scotia provincial teams.

METRO MUSTANGS:

SEED: #1

HEAD COACH: Greg Bayne (second year in this role, third year with team)

ROUTE TO CHAMPIONSHIP:  defeated fourth seeded Dartmouth Destroyers 41-6

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH: Taylor MacDonald (running back), Sean Muir (quarterback), Ryan Keays (receiver), Matt Zwicker (fullback), Jay Hachey (defensive line/running back), Jesse Boudreau (linebacker), Kyle MacDonald (defensive line), Brad Bevan (linebacker), Matt Bayne (defensive back), Garrett Jewers (receiver), Tyler Robichaud (linebacker), Kyle MacDonald (tackle), Jesse Boudreau (linebacker)

TIMBERLEA RENEGADES:

SEED:  #3

HEAD COACH: Alan Wetmore (first year as head coach)

ROUTE TO CHAMPIONSHIP: defeated third seeded Halifax Argos 17-16

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Hayden Clarke (running back), Nate Rostek (running back/linebacker), Josh DeGruchy (defense), Zack Leger (linebacker), Lorenz MacDonald (quarterback), Thomas Hoyt (receiver), Nick Tzaneteas (defense), Jack Chiassson (defense), Donovan Blue (defensive lineman/fullback), Brayden Culligan (defensive back), Chandler Tufts (receiver)

Photos courtesy of Cathy Connell

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